Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo

Upon arrival in the Kathmandu Airport (TIA), you will be welcomed and greeted by our representative and then transfer to the hotel. After check in, you can either take rest; hang around in the city as it all depends upon your interests. In the evening, we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal.
Hotel Encounter Nepal

Dinner 

After breakfast, break the day with guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions of Kathmandu. The first visit is made in Swayambhunath Stupa- oldest stupa situated on the hillock. Enjoy the bird eyes view of Kahtmandu Valley and mountains. After then visit Kahtmandu Durbar Square – Palace of Malla and then Shah King of Nepal. Visit Kumari Ghar (living goddes), Kasthamandap (made up of single tree), Hanuman Dhoka (Gate to enter the palace) and many more temples. Finally visit in Patan Durbar Square- city of fine art and architecture. Visit Krishna Temple, Palace square, Mahabauddha, Mahabihar and many more temples and master piece monuments. Late afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Black Diamond briefs us regarding the trip as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu, Hotel Encounter Nepal.

Breakfast

Early morning after breakfast transfer to Kathmandu airport’s domestic terminal to fly over Lukla, a gateway destination for trekking in Everest Region. After 40 minutes adventurous and scenic view flight, we reach in the Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla. Here we meet our other crew members and then we begin our first day’s easy trek through forest, villages and along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today also we follow the Dudh Koshi River and cross suspension bridges many times, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. On the way, we can see the beautiful view of Mt Thamserku (6618m). Passing through the small village of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo we enter in to the Sagarmatha National Park. We cross the last village of Jorsale before Namche and then gradual walk through the forest and bridges until we reach the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers (Larja Dobhan). After then about 2 hours steep climb we reach Chautara from where we get the first sight of Mt. Everest. From there another 1.5 hours easy walking bring us to Namche Bazzar, the gate way to Mt. Everest and the main trading center.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After 2 days walking we take a rest in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize the body. It is recommended to stay active during rest day also which helps to acclimatize our body quickly. Walking little high altitude around 100 ft will help to acclimatize properly. Morning we do hike in Thame and later explore Namche Bazzar.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, trek starts ascending up to the airport in Syanboche which is one of the highest airports on a planet. From Syangboche, we can see the beautiful view of Amadablam and jaw dropping view of Mt. Everest. After then around 2 hours gradual ascent bring us to the Khumjung village which is also known as a second home of Hillary. We explore Khumjung village; visit Khumjung Hillary School and the monastery that houses Yeti scalp.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today our trek starts with gradual ascending to Sanasa, the junction to Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. We follow the left trail towards Gokyo Valley and climb steeply up to Mong from where the very beautiful view of surrounding snowcapped mountain and valleys can be seen. After enjoying the beautiful mountain view with Mt. Khumbila and exploring an ancient historical chorten in Mong village we trek steep down to Phortse Thanga. On the way, we may encounter with exclusive musk deer, mountain goats and different kinds of bird. Further climbing steep trail through jungle, passing by waterfalls, small bridges on the way and idle check post in Tenga finally we reach Dole.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today the trail is steadily steep and offers good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega and Thamserku. After breakfast we climb steep trail to Lhabarma (4330 m) and then gentle climb passing through thorny bushes, meadow, small summer settlements and a large chorten to Luza (4360 m). We continue our climb to Machherma along the hill side above Dudh Koshi River. From this trail Dudh Koshi Valley appeared as deep canyon between high mountain ridges. Passing through some small villages and through sandy ridge we reach Machherma which is the last major settlement on the way to Gokyo and first sighting place of Yeti in 1974. We visit International Porter Protection Group where emergency treatment is provided and educate trekkers about the Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today our trek start with climbing through a ridge Chorten from where we can see the good view of down valley to Kantega (6,685 m) and north towards Cho Oyu (8201 m), the sixth highest mountain in the world. After some gentle walk we reach at Phangga (4480 m) where entire trekking group was killed by an avalanche in 1955. We descend to the river bank then steep climb into a rocky cleft on stone steps of Ngozumba Glacier, the longest in the Himalayas. Along this glacier there are six sacred lakes, which reflect the peaks in their calm, mirrored surfaces. As soon we cross a small bridge, we see the first lake called Longpongo at 4690 m. From here the trail becomes almost level and just little ahead we find the side trail of Chola pass to Lobuche. Following the northern straight way we reach the second lake called Taboche Tsho. We observe and admire the fascinated shining turquoise blue lake. Little ahead we reach the third lake, Dudh Pokharai and step on the shore to Gokyo village. Later we explore around the lake.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It is recommended to stay active during rest day also which helps to acclimatize our body quickly. Walking little high altitude around 100 ft will help to acclimatize properly. If weather is clear we hike the Gokyo Ri (5360m) today, instead of waiting for tomorrow which is considered as a best viewpoint of Everest Region. Or we take a side trip towards sixth lake beyond Gokyo Ri hill. After breakfast we trek north from Gokyo along the moraine of Ngozumba Glacier with only a small gain in altitude. Just about 3 km walk we reach at fourth lake, Thonak Tsho (4870 m), a steely grey pool surrounded by enormous cliffs and peaks. We continue to fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho(4990m), set beneath the giant Cho Oyu. We can hike small hill on the east edge which locally known as Scoundrel’s Viewpoint (5000m) from where shiny close wall of Cho Oyu, upper expanse of Ngozumpa Glacier, unobstructed views of the north face of Everest as well as Nuptse, Lhotse and Makalu can be seen. It’s very hard to reach the sixth lake, Gyazumba Tsho (5419m) and back in one day. But if we are interested, still have stamina and enough time we may try for sixth lake. Finally trek back to Gokyo village.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If Gokyo Ri, the main highlight of the tip, has not been climbed the day before we climb it today. Early morning we climb stiff ridge for 2 hours to Gokyo Ri. Form the summit, there are panoramic views of Cho Oyu,Pumo Ri, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, Kangtega, K 43, Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru, with the Ngozumpa Glacier and tiny Gokyo village. The view of first sun rays stroke on the Everest is totally different from the view seen from Kala Patthar (Nuptse obstructs the view of Everest). We take time to admire the rare view of the planet by capturing the wordless scenery. The trip to Gokyo Ri will be unforgettable life time memory. We trek back to Gokyo village and after breakfast we trek towards Thaknak. We follow the same route near to first Lake, Longpongo. Then we follow the left path and crossing the Ngozumba Glacier we reach at Thaknak.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the toughest day. We start early (around 4-5 am) to climb challenging pass of the trip, the Cho La Pass (5368). The trail to Cho La Pass is steep, slippery and there is a chance of rock falls. So we need to walk steadily and carefully. On the way to Cho La Pass, we pass through frozen lake and view of Amadablam, Cholatse and other prominent mountains become more attractive. From the top of pass we can see the Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, Numbur, Kangchung etc. While descend from the pass, the view of Pyramid shaped Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche East are captivated but we need to be more careful since the trail passes through crevasses and steep rocky way. We descend continuously passing by small village of Leisyasa (4860m) and then few minutes’ walk will bring us in summer herding beautiful Dzonghla village from where we can see the complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is short walk day and we get spare time to re-energize for coming days adventure. After breakfast we climb down from Dzongla through gradual trail crossing small streams, passing by the Chola Tsho / lake (4590 m), walk through the boulder path left by khumbu glacier and and viewing beautiful towering Mt. Nuptse, Lobuche, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thanserku and many more. we reach Lobuche. Relax our tired body and stroll around village.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have two options. First one is, we reach Gorak Shep and in late afternoon hike to Kalapatthar for impressive sunset view over Himalayas including Mt. Everest. Second one is, we reach Everest Base Camp and then trek back to Gorak Shep for overnight. We can split the group for option 1 and option 2.

After early breakfast we start trek through the moraine of Khumbu glacier. Passing through Italian Research Center and Lobuche Pass (5110m) we reach to Chongri Glacier. On the way to Chongri Glacier we get the first sight of the summit of north ridge of Mt. Everest along with 360 degree view of snowcapped mountains including Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse and many more. Walking up through boulder path of Changri glacier we reach Gorak Shep.

Option 1:- Evening we hike to Kalapatthar. Kalapatthar is the popular view point hill. It takes 45 minutes to reach from Gorak Shep. From there we can see very impressive, massive and sky towering Himalayas including Kantenga, Pumo Ri, Thamserku, Changtse Ama Dablam, Kantenga, Nuptse, Lhotse, Everest and many more.

Option 2:- Leaving the Kalapathar (view point) on left and passing by Indian army mountaineers’ memorials we continue towards Everest Base Camp which takes us around 3 hours to reach. We celebrate the achievement of our trip goal by capturing massive Nuptse, Khumbuste and Punori from Everest Base Camp in our camera. But from here Mt. Everest is not visible. After spending memorable moment we trek back to Gorak Shep.

Note: Sunset view from Kalapatthar is more impressive than the sunrise view over snow capped mountain including Mt. Everest. So who wish to hike Kalapatthar today, our guide and porters will accompany you.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Those participants, who had choose option 1 yesterday (Kalapatthar), will visit Everest base camp today.

And who had choose option 2 yesterday (Everest Base Camp); they will hike to Kalapatthar today for sunrise view over snowcapped mountains including Mt. Everest and then wait for other participants to return back in Gorak Shep.

After having lunch together in Gorak Shep we trek back to Lobuche via same route.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is easy walk down to lower altitude at culturally rich Tengboche village. Following the terminal moraines of Khumbu Glacier we reach at Dughla and then Pheriche village. From there pleasant walk through rhododendron and juniper forest passing by Samdrang village, Orsho and Syomare village we reach at the junction. We follow the right path and crossing the suspension bridge we walk steadily to Pangboche village and visit Pangboche Gompa. From there we trek down to Imja Khola and crossing suspension bridge we walk up to Debuche through forest where Musk Deer, Monal, Blue Sheep, different kinds of bird may come across on the way. If interested, we can visit nuns at Debuche Monastery. Further little gradual walk brings us to the home of biggest Buddhist Monastery of Everest region, Tengboche.

We enjoy the great view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kwangde, Ama Dablam, Kantega, Thamserku and many more. We explore the village, interact with locals and explore their pristine live culture and tradition. Late afternoon we visit Tengboche Monastery to witness the Lama puja. Mani Rimdu Festival which lasts for 9 days is the great festival of the Sherpa people, is celebrate here in the month of October – November. Another popular festival is Dumje Festival celebrate in the month of April.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we leave the beautiful Tengboche village and descend down through rhododendron and fir trees to Dudh Koshi River. We cross the first bridge of today trail in Phungi Thanga and then passing through the beautiful village of Sanasa, Kyangiuma as well as enjoying magnificent view of Himalayas on the way we reach at Tenzing Norgye Memorial Stupa. We may get opportunity to encounter mountain goats, deer, colorful pheasants etc. After then passing by main town of Everest Region, the Namche Bazzar we walk steep down to the Larja Bridge which is the confluence point of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi River. From there the gradual walk along Dudh Koshi River will bring us to the exit point from National Park, the Jorsale village. Another few minutes walking down bring us in Monjo Village. Monjo village is quiet and peaceful place to overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is our last day of trek. We follow the same route down to Lukla taking enough time to explore attractions on the way, experience Sherpa culture in beautiful villages and enjoying distance view of Himalayas. Upon arrival in Lukla we have plenty of time to relax and stretch the tired body. Late afternoon we can stroll around the Lukla. Evening we enjoy the last dinner with crew members.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After early breakfast we fly back to Kathmandu memorizing those excited and beautiful days. In Kathmandu you can take a rest throughout the day in hotel or you can explore other attractions of Kathmandu. For the memorizing the Nepal trip you can buy some souvenirs for yourself or for friends and family in Thamel Area. Late evening we celebrate the success of our trip and enjoy dinner together.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast you are free till departure time. If you have more time you can do shopping or sightseeing around Kathmandu. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Black Diamond drops you to the airport.

Breakfast